City issues alert after increase in pertussis

The Lubbock Health Department issued an alert due to an increase in pertussis cases in the city. The city has seen 12 confirmed cases so far this year, nine of those reported since July 22nd. There were ten cases in 2012.

Pertussis is also known as whooping cough. It's known for violent coughing which can be followed by breathing difficulty. Pertussis is spread by infected persons through coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others. Experts say antibiotic treatment is important for those infected.

General Motors is recalling about 56,214 Saturn Aura midsize cars in the U.S. because the automatic transmission shifters can fail. The recall affects certain cars from the 2007 and 2008 model years with four-speed transmissions.